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The Future of the JREF

arthwollipot

Observer of Phenomena, Pronouns: he/him
arthwollipot
Joined
Feb 11, 2005
Messages
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Location
Ngunnawal Country
JREF Status

Since James Randi's retirement earlier this year, the Board has considered how to continue the Foundation without his direct involvement.

The Board has decided that it will convert the foundation into a grant making foundation.

Starting in 2016, we will be making grants to non-profit groups that we believe are promoting activities that encourage critical thinking and a fact-based world view. We expect to make a small number of grants each year totaling approximately $100,000 per year. We will NOT accept suggestions, applications or proposals for these grants. We hope they will come as a pleasant surprise to the recipients, just as Randi's MacArthur foundation grant was a pleasant surprise to him.
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About the Challenge:

We plan on continuing the Million Dollar Challenge as a means for educating the public about paranormal claims.

...

Effective immediately, JREF will no longer accept applications directly from people claiming to have a paranormal power. We will however offer our Challenge to anyone who has passed a preliminary test that meets with our approval. We will provide example protocols early next year. Of course, any established psychic may always contact JREF to be tested directly (preferably with an independent, third party TV crew.)
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End of an era.
I assumed Deyvi would take over, but alas, this is not to be.
 
They could re-write the Challenge application form. IMHO it is a bit of a mess and has been for years. Looks like it was written as Randi dictated it on a carefree Saturday afternoon, not as a well-constructed legal form.
 
marplots said:
End of an era.
I assumed Deyvi would take over, but alas, this is not to be.
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Has he shown any sign of involvement in the JREF's work, since appearing as Carlos?

rjh01 said:
It shows they are in slow decline and they know it.
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:confused: There isn't very much there that can decline, the JREF itself is just about as small as it can get without disappearing. I don't know what the figures for the last two TAMs were, but they were growing in size up until two years ago; that the JREF has decided to stop organising TAM isn't to do with the size of it decreasing. I've seen it suggested elsewhere that it's all about a major donor wanting to maintain control, and not be overshadowed by the mass of a community attached to the JREF (hence casting the forum adrift, among other actions).
 
Is the full membership of the board listed anywhere?

I fondly remember waiting every week for Friday to come so I could read the new Swift. It makes me sad.
 
zooterkin said:
Has he shown any sign of involvement in the JREF's work, since appearing as Carlos?


:confused: There isn't very much there that can decline, the JREF itself is just about as small as it can get without disappearing. I don't know what the figures for the last two TAMs were, but they were growing in size up until two years ago; that the JREF has decided to stop organising TAM isn't to do with the size of it decreasing. I've seen it suggested elsewhere that it's all about a major donor wanting to maintain control, and not be overshadowed by the mass of a community attached to the JREF (hence casting the forum adrift, among other actions).
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A few years ago there were 5 on the staff. Now it probably is as you say about as small as it can get. A one person organisation?
 
The million dollars came from Rick Adams, who`s still running things. I`m guessing the challenge will remain as long as there are psychic television shows. So, most of us will be dead by then...
 
Norman Alexander said:
They could re-write the Challenge application form. IMHO it is a bit of a mess and has been for years. Looks like it was written as Randi dictated it on a carefree Saturday afternoon, not as a well-constructed legal form.
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See the original post. They are no longer accepting applications. There is no application anymore. It has been removed from their website.

marplots said:
What happens to the million dollars if the doors close?
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It is listed as a restricted asset on the 990. A number of years ago JREF was planning on ending the MDC and using the million dollars for other purposes. Adams probably put restrictions on the use of the money when he donated it. But that doesn’t really matter now because with JREF being just Adams and Denman, Adams probably has the authority to just decide to do whatever he wants with the money. I expect it would be given away as a grant or grants. I’m sure Randi would have an unofficial say that would be considered.

With Randi retired and the JREF no longer accepting memberships or donations, they won’t have much income. Investment returns on the million. Maybe some money from TAM. Maybe they can get $100,000 per year.

This sounds like a going out of business sale. Start dumping off the money while they try to find someone to take over the MDC and TAM.

ETA: Doubtful News says Sharon Hill is no longer with JREF.
 
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